Most of the time, the greatest challenge for these young people is finding resources.

“A lot of kids are motivated, they just don’t have access to resources,” said Lisa, who also spent time without a home when she was younger.

So, providing information about resources is one of the organization’s primary functions.

There are plenty of success stories about lives turned around.

Tessa is such a story.

Young Visionaries employment development specialist, Tessa was homeless and came from the organization’s youth shelter.

Now, she’s an ‘A’ student at San Bernardino Valley College and an employee at the print center.

“Tessa can talk to kids about their homeless situation. She stayed in the shelter, graduated from San Bernardino High School and now is studying criminal justice. She can understand kids and she’s doing well now.”

Terrance is one of my favorite people.

He is absolutely sincere and passionate about helping kids.

“That’s my mission,” he’ll tell you, “letting youth know there are alternatives and options, then trying to lead them in the direction of these options.”

He will tell you he’s in the business of saving lives.

The nonprofit Young Visionaries opened an emergency shelter home for youth — many of them runaways — in March 2011, but because the program lost funding, the shelter had to close in September 2014.

“It was a heartbreaker not to have a house for them,” he said.

“On any given night in San Bernardino County, thousands of children go without food, shelter and basic security,” he said.

One by one, Young Visionaries is working to change that.

This is one of those organizations that makes a real difference in the community.

I think any help we can give them would be a giant step toward making San Bernardino a better place.

They just need a couple of things: Volunteers — either individuals or Inland Empire churches; and donations — either clothing or financial help.

For more information, contact Lisa at lharper@yvyla-ie.org or call the print center, 909-881-3382, or 909-880-3939.

And here’s a thought for the day: Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

Michel Nolan appears in The Sun on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at michel.nolan@langnews.com or on Twitter @MichelNolan.